Separation

ABSTRACT

The invention refers to method for selectively binding and separating at least one component from whole blood or a body fluid, whereby the blood or body fluid is allowed to pass through a rigid integral separation matrix without being excluded therefrom. The matrix has a porous structure with a pore size ranging from 5 micron to 500 micron as well as an active surface ranging from 0.5 cm 2  to 10 m 2 , and the surface is able to bind such components.

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/491,886, filed Jul. 24, 2006, which is a divisional of Ser. No.10/409,732, filed Apr. 9, 2003. The entire disclosure of the U.S.application Ser. No. 11/491,886 and 10/409,732 are incorporated hereinby reference, a claim of priority to each is made to the extentappropriate.

The present invention relates to improvements in removal of componentsfrom whole blood or a body fluid. More specifically, the inventionrelates to a method, wherein blood or body fluid is allowed to passthrough a rigid integral separation matrix without being excludedtherefrom.

BACKGROUND

Inflammatoric processes, such as sepsis, are a major cause of morbidityand mortality in humans. It is estimated that, yearly, 400 000 to 500000 episodes of sepsis results in 100 000 to 175 000 human deaths in theU.S. alone. In Germany, sepsis rates of up to 19% of patients stationedat Intensive Care Units have been noted. Sepsis has also become theleading cause of death in intensive care units among patients withnon-traumatic illnesses. Despite the major advances of the past decadesin the treatment of serious infections, the incidence and mortality dueto sepsis continues to rise.

There are three major types of sepsis characterized by the type ofinfecting organism. Gram-negative sepsis is the most common. Themajority of these infections are caused by Esherichia coli, Klebsiellapneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Gram-positive pathogens, such asthe staphylococci and the streptococci, are the second major cause ofsepsis. The third major group includes the fungi. Fungal infectionsconstitute a relatively small percentage of the sepsis cases, but theyresult in a high mortality rate.

A well-established mechanism in sepsis is related to the toxiccomponents of gram-negative bacteria, i.e. the lipopolysaccharide cellwall structure (LPS, endotoxin), which is composed of a fatty acidgroup, a phosphate group, and a carbohydrate chain.

Several of the host responses to endotoxins have been identified, suchas release of cytokines, which are produced locally. In case of anextensive stimulation, however, there is a spill over to the peripheralblood and potential harmful effects are obtained, such as induced organdysfunction.

The key mediators of septic shock are Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α),Interleukine 1 (Il-1) and Interleukine 17 (Il-17), which are released bymonocytes and macrophages. They act synergistically causing a cascade ofphysiological changes leading to circulation collapse and multi organfailure. Indeed, high concentrations of TNF-α can mimic the symptoms andoutcome of sepsis.

Normally, endotoxins are kept within the lumen of the intestine. Forexample, during cardiopulmonary bypass the presence of splanchicischemia or dysoxia causes disruption of the mucosal barrier andtranslocation (i.e. the transport of endotoxins from the intestine tothe circulation system) of endotoxins from the gut lumen to the portalcirculation.

Antibiotics of varying types are widely used to prevent and treatinfections. However, for many commonly used antibiotics an antibioticresistance is developed among various species of bacteria. This isparticularly true for the microbial flora resident in hospitals, whereorganisms are under a constant selective pressure to develop resistance.Furthermore, in the hospital the high density of potentially infectedpatients and the extent of staff-to-staff and staff-to-patient contactfacilitate the spreading of antibiotic resistant organisms. Theantibiotics used are the most economical, the safest and the most easyto administer and may not have a broad enough spectrum to suppresscertain infections. Antibiotics can be toxic to varying degrees bycausing allergy, interactions with other drugs, and causing directdamage to major organs (e.g. liver, kidney). Many antibiotics alsochange the normal intestinal flora, which can cause diarrhea andnutritional malabsorption.

Certain antibiotics are known to neutralize the action of endotoxins,such as polymyxin B. This antibiotic binds to the lipid A part ofendotoxin and neutralizes its activity. Polymyxin is not used routinelydue to its toxicity. It is only given to patients under constantsupervision and monitoring of the renal function.

Furthermore, in order to overcome some of the limitations inherent toactive immunization against bacterial components, various techniqueshave been used to produce endotoxin-binding antibodies. A large numberof antibodies have been prepared by immunization of humans withbacteria.

In order to develop more consistent preparations of therapeuticantibodies, numerous LPS-reactive monoclonal antibodies have beendeveloped. Unfortunately, the clinical studies have not resulted inbenefits. However, it should be noted that these trials were performedin humans after onset of symptoms of sepsis. It is widely believed thatan anti-endotoxin antibody treatment, administered after sepsis, mayyield little benefit because these antibodies cannot reverse theinflammatory cascade initiated by the endotoxin.

In JP 06022633, an adsorbent for anti-lipid anti-bodies is shown, whichcomprises a compound with an anionic functional group immobilized onto awater-insoluble porous material. The porous material can be agarose,cellulose, dextran, polyacrylamide, glass, silica gel, or a hard polymermade of a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer, and the porous material ispacked as a bed of separate particles in a separation device.

In attempts to remove components from blood, different adsorbentmaterials have been prepared. An endotoxin removal adsorbent comprisinga ligand immobilized on a solid phase support medium is shown in WO01/23413. A preferred support medium is in the form of beads. Whenpacked in a separation device, the solid phase support medium is porousenough to allow passage of blood cells between the beads.

In WO 00/62836, the adsorbent material has a size and a structureadapted to remove β-2 microglobulin from blood. The adsorbent materialof this document can be a macroporous synthetic polymer with a surfaceof beads and of pores modified as to prevent adsorption of proteins andplateletes. However, individual spherical beads of the polymer weremechanically destroyed at a loading of about 500 g, which is obtained infor example a column packed with the beads. Such a loading results in aconsiderable pressure drop over of the column.

In order to reduce the pressure drop, an absorbent has been prepared inEP 464872, which comprises water-insoluble porous hard gel particleshaving an exclusion limit of 10⁶-10⁹ Dalton. The gel bed is used forselective removal of lipoproteins from blood or plasma in extracorporealcirculation treatment.

Likewise, in WO 01/23413 the porous support material for endotoxinremoval is beads, which can be filled into a container, the beads havinga size sufficient to provide the requisite space between the beads whenpacked into a column or filter bed. The porous support material can alsobe microfiltration hollow-fibers or flat sheet membranes in order tominimize pressure drops.

In EP 424698 an adsorbent for eliminating biomacromolecules is shown,which consists of a carrier of porous spherical particles having aparticle size of 50-150 microns and an exclusion limit of at least 10⁵Dalton. Polymyxin B is coupled to the particles, which are subsequentlyfilled in a cartridge to be used in a system for extracorporealendotoxin removal from whole blood.

In these traditional systems for extracorporeal removal of toxiccomponents from blood, a container or cartridge is first filled with aliquid and the adsorbing porous beads are introduced afterwards. In U.S.Pat. No. 6,408,894 a method is shown, which provides a more uniformdistribution and denser packing of the beads. The method involvesforcedly supplying a mixture of liquid and beads into a container insuch a manner that the liquid is squeezed out of the mixture and out ofthe container.

Thus, an elimination of blood cells facilitates the removal of compoundspresent in plasma as described above, e.g. in WO 00/62836 or WO01/23413. However, such a technique involves two separation steps whichboth could contribute to an enhanced risk of adverse cellular activationdue to bioincompatability.

SUMMARY

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new method forselective binding and separating at least one component from whole bloodor body fluids, whereby the above mentioned problems in connection withinflammatoric processes are eliminated.

Another purpose is to provide such a method, whereby the selectivebinding and separation can be accomplished on whole blood without theneed of separating blood into plasma and blood cells.

A further purpose of the invention is to provide such a method, which isnot size-dependent, i.e. the blood components are not separated by meansof exclusion.

Still another object of the invention is to provide such a method,whereby high flow rates can be obtained in a separation device withoutsignificant pressure drop with time.

Yet a further purpose is to provide such a method without subjecting theblood to shear forces in a separation device even at very high flowrates while maintaining a low line pressure in order to avoid damage tobloodvessels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a device for selectively bindingand separating at least one component from a body fluid.

FIGS. 2( a)-(d) are schematic representations showing operation of thedevice of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3( a)-(d) are schematic representations showing operation of thedevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a test system for the removal ofendotoxins and cytokins according to the examples.

FIG. 5 is a graphic representation of data obtained according to example32.

FIG. 6 is a graphic representation of data obtained according to example33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the invention, a method is provided for selectively bindingand separating at least one component from whole blood or a body fluid.The blood or body fluid is allowed to pass through a rigid integralseparation matrix without being excluded therefrom, the matrix having aporous structure with a pore size ranging from 5 micron to 500 micronand an active surface ranging from 0.5 cm² to 10 m², which is able tobind one or several components.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the matrix further comprisesat least one functional group which has been introduced by means ofcoating and/or surface modification of the porous structure. Thisresults in that the active surface obtained, alone or in combinationwith non-functionalized regions of the same, is able to selectively bindat least one component of whole blood or a body fluid. The components tobe removed can be natural as well as non-natural, i.e. a specificligand, such as an antibody, is attached to the component.

Furthermore, the functional groups, obtained by means of direct orindirect selective conversion of the surface of the porous structure,have been further used for immobilization of ligands. However, thefunctional groups of the porous structure can be utilized as they are inthe inventive method.

The pore size as well as the surface of the skeletal-like porousstructure has been adapted to be used in the separation matrix of theinventive method in connection with whole blood purification. However,the method according to the invention can also be used for the removalof components from other body fluids as well as aqueous solutions. It isan important aspect of the invention that neither any component nor anysolvent is excluded from the matrix during a separation procedure.

According to the invention, the rigid integral matrix should have anavailable surface from 0.5 cm² to 10 m², and the density of the matrixstructure is not limiting for performing the inventive method.

In this connection the term “rigid” means that the matrix is notflexible, not bending or yielding, but able to withstand a pressure ofat least 0.5 bar. The term “integral” means that the matrix with highsurface area is an entire entity.

The porous structure of the matrix in the inventive method is made ofmetal, inorganic oxide, carbon, glass, ceramic, synthetic polymer,and/or natural polymer, or mixtures thereof. Porous solid metalstructures with well-defined pore sizes and high surface areas can bemanufactured by using strictly controlled sintering processes thatproduces uniformly-sized pores.

Different polymers have been produced as a moulded or extruded porousmaterial with a porous structure, having the desired pore size as well ahigh surface area for the matrix. They have also been produced as foam.For example, polyurethanes prepared from isocyanates and various otherorganic compounds have active hydrogen atoms, which have been used forproducing poly-addition products. This active hydrogen can come frombifunctional or polyfunctional compounds, such as polyalcohols,polyamines. Reactions with water gives rise to primary amines which havebeen used for covalent immobilization of specific ligands.

A wide variety of metals and alloys have been used, such as stainlesssteel, nickel, titanium, monel, inconel, hastelloy and other specialmetal materials. High surface area inorganic oxides, especially aluminaand zirconia, have also been utilized with the same techniques toproduce ceramic materials with defined pore structures. Likewise, suchceramics as well as sintered glass can be purchased, which have adequatepore sizes.

Other natural rigid materials, such as amorphous silica, e.g. zeolites,and lava rock, have also been used.

Natural materials and hybrides thereof, which can be used as a matrixmaterial in the inventive method, are polysaccharides, such ascellulose, and other polymeric carbohydrate materials. Other suitablenatural polymeric materials are polyamino acids, also those involvingsynthetic amino acids, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid and itscopolymers with lactic acid.

In this connection the term hybrid encompasses derivatives of suchnatural materials, for example cellulose diacetate, which is a preferredpolysaccharide derivative.

Suitable synthetic polymers for the matrix to be used in the presentinvention are polyolefines, such as polyethylene, polypropylene,polybutylene, polymethylpentene, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers;vinylic polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetals, andpolyvinylpyrrolidone; fluorine containing polymers, such aspolytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer,polychlorofluoroethylene, polyvinylfluoride, and polyvinylidenefluoride; polyacrylates, such as polymethylmethacrylate, cyanoacrylate,polyacrylonitrile, and polymethacrylates; polyamides, such aspolyacrylamide; polyimides, such as polyethylenimines; polystyrene andits copolymers, such as polystyrene andacrylonitrilebutadiene-styrene-polymers; silicone rubbers;polyesters/ethers; polycarbonates; polyurethanes; polysulfonates;polyglycols; polyalkyloxide such as polyethyleneoxide,polypropyleneoxide; and copolymers or hybrids thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, at least one functional group has beenintroduced onto a porous structure of the rigid integral separationmatrix. The functional groups can be of different kinds, i.e. of theanionic, cationic or nonionic type. The functional groups of the porousstructure have been used to covalent bind substances likepeptides/proteins and bile acids (e.g. deoxycholic acid), antibodies andfragments thereof as well as other biomolecules and substances havingthe ability to selectively bind endotoxins and/or proinflammatorymediators.

A surface modification, i.e. a surface functionalization in an indirectway, was accomplished by means of electro-deposition,electro-evaporation, plasma chemical deposition, deposition from an ionplasma flow, or chemical vapor deposition (e.g. plasma polymerization,plasma enhanced surface polymer deposition). The surface modificationmethods are known per se and found in “Plasma surface modification andplasma polymerization” by N. Inagaki, 1996, Technomic Publishing,Lancaster, USA. Different three-dimensional matrix structures have beentreated by means of these methods, a very homogeneous modification ofthe active surface being achieved.

Polymerization of bifunctional monomers of acrylic or allylic doublebonds with polar groups as OH, NH₂, CN and COOH have been used toproduce plasma polymers with high density of the functional groups. Forexample, surface functionalization of the inorganic and organic surfaceshave been carried out in a plasma environment of allyl compounds, suchas allylamine.

It has also been possible to organic polymeric surfaces in NH₃, O₂, orCO₂ plasma environments, which give rise to either of the functionalgroups ═NH, —NH₂, ═CN, —OH, or —COOH. Other examples of gases used arewell-known within the art.

A plasmachemical processing have also been combined with classicchemical synthesis, the selectivity of surface modifications forpolymers being significantly enhanced.

One approach has been to apply a specific plasma gas surfacefunctionalization immediately followed by a chemical unification of thecoexisting plasma functional groups.

Another way of introducing the functional groups is by means of a directfunctionalization, i.e. coating the surface with a polymeric material.In this connection the synthetic or natural polymer has been coated ontothe high surface metal, inorganic oxide, carbon, glass, ceramic, as wellas another suitable synthetic polymer, and/or a natural polymer, ormixtures thereof.

Many of the above-mentioned polymers, especially those withoutfunctional groups, such as polyethylene, polypropylene,polytetrafluoroethylene etc., need a further treatment in order to altertheir surface properties. Thus, a plasma or corona treatment, asmentioned above, of the polymer surface will generate a very uniquefunctional group, like hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, amino, and iminogroups etc, which are covalently attached to the surface. The coatinghas also been accomplished by means of adhesion or adsorption of apolymeric substance having functional groups. Examples of suchsubstances are polylysine, polyarginine, and polyethyleneimine.

By for example using a plasma technique, polyethyleneimine-likesubstances was obtained on the porous surface. When a separation matrixis used in the method according to the invention for selectively bindingand separating at least one component from whole blood or a body fluid,the hydrophilic as well as the hydrophobic regions of proteineous bloodcomponents can interact with the processed surface in order to removethe desired components. After functionalization, when the matrix surfacefor selective binding and separation comprises a polyolefine, e.g. apolyethylene or polypropylene, the positive charges of the amino groupsare likewise used for electrostatic interactions and the hydrophobicregions are used for hydrophobic interactions. This approach is used inthe inventive method for the selective binding of different regions offor example lipopolysaccharides.

Polymers and metals, having for example reactive hydroxyls, can also befunctionilized by means of silanization.

Accordingly, various different functional groups have been covalentlycoupled to the high surface porous matrix structure. After a directand/or indirect functionalization, the porous structure can havehydrophilic as well as hydrophobic regions, which can interact thedifferent blood components. Thus, the characteristic properties of asubstance of interest are utilized when preparing the surface to be usedin the method according to the invention.

Preferably, the functional groups of the active surface are sulfhydryls,carboxylates, amines, aldehydes, ketones, hydroxyls, halogens,hydrazides, and active hydrogen.

In another preferred embodiment, a ligand has been coupled to the atleast one functional group of the high surface porous structure in acovalent way. In this connection, a ligand is a substance with highaffinity for the component to be removed from whole blood or a bodyfluid. Thus, the ligand is used to enhance the adsorption properties andthe efficacy of binding.

The ligand can be a protein, preferably a recombinant protein, apeptide, an antibody or a fragment thereof, a carbohydrate, e.g. apolysaccharide, a hormone, an antioxidant, a glycoprotein, alipoprotein, a lipid, a fat soluble vitamin, e.g. vitamin E, a bileacid, a reactive dye, allantoin, uric acid, or polymyxin, orcombinations thereof.

A suitable bile acid is deoxycholic acid, which is an endogenoushydrophobic substance. Such a bile acid can be coupled either directlyto the functional groups, via a spacer, or coupled via a large molecule,and is then used for removing endotoxins from blood, body fluids andaqueous solutions as in the method according to the invention.

In this connection a spacer is a molecule, large or small, whichconnects the ligand to the surface of the porous structure.

For example, if in the inventive method the porous structure of theseparation matrix comprises a polyolefine having an added amine-group,this group can have an albumin coupled thereto and in turn at least onea bile acid moiety coupled to this large molecule.

Thus, the invention also refers to a new use of a bile acid moietyimmobilized on a support for eliminating a component from an aqueoussolution comprising the same. Preferably, the bile acid moiety is adeoxycholic acid moiety.

Accordingly, a suitable solid support for immobilization of the bileacid moiety is a rigid integral separation matrix having a porousstructure with a pore size ranging from 5 micron to 500 micron,preferably from 70 micron to 170 micron, and an active surface rangingfrom 0.5 cm² to 10 m².

It is also preferred that the ligand of the matrix in the inventivemethod is albumin or an albumin produced by means of recombinanttechnology, which can be used instead of serum albumin, polymyxin B(i.e. charged groups on a hydrophobic structure), or deoxycholic acid.

Thus, a ligand can also act as a spacer in the method according to theinvention. For example, it has also been possible to first covalentlyattach a human recombinant protein or another large molecule (e.g.hyaluronic acid) to the porous structure, which allows for a subsequentbinding of the ligand specific for the component to be removed.

If necessary, a crosslinker is coupled between the at least onefunctional group and the ligand in a covalent way. In this connection, across-linker is an element that covalently bonds the ligand to thesupportive porous structure, the element being a spacer when linking theligand at a distance from the porous structure itself. Such molecularspacers are known within the art. They have been introduced in order toincrease the affinity for the component to be bound and separated fromwhole blood or body fluids by providing a better availability to theligands. The biocompatibility of the surface of the porous matrixstructure is also increased by the introduction of these molecularspacers.

A crosslinker/spacer can comprise a zero-length cross-linker alone or ina combination with an intervening crosslinker, the final complexobtained being bound together by virtue of chemical substances that addstructures to the crosslinked substance. These intervening crosslinkerscan be of type homobifunctional (e.g. dialdehydes), heterobifuntional(e.g. amino acids) or trifunctional crosslinking type.

The main purpose of the spacer is to increase the bioavailability of thespecific ligand used.

The spacer can for example be a silane, a diisocyanate, a glycolate, apolyethyleneglycol, a succinimidyl reagent, a dihydrazine, adipidicacid, a diamine, an amino acid, a poly or oligo amino acid, a polyaminoacid, a peptide, or a protein. Preferably, the protein is a humanrecombinant protein.

The functional groups of the cross-linker are designed to react withamino groups (Lys, Arg), with sulfhydryls (Cys), or with carboxyls (Asp,Glu), to cite a few examples.

In connection with the chemistry of reactive groups, reference is madeto Bioconjugate Techniques, Greg T Hermanson, Academic Press, USA 1996.

Thus, the active porous matrix surface is in the inventive methodcapable of removing for example endotoxins, alone or in combination withnon-functionilized regions of the available surface of the porousstructure. The active surface can also be used as a tool for covalentimmobilization of chemicals, such as biomolecules like amino acids,polypeptides and antibodies in order to selectively enhance theelimination of such specific components.

A separation matrix, which is intended for selective removal of at leastone component from whole blood or body fluids, can be produced with aporous structure of a certain pore size and/or a certain pore size rangein dependence on the intended application. Preferably, the porousstructure should permit passage of blood cells. Accordingly, certaintypes of blood cells can also be removed from whole blood by means ofthe inventive method. Such cells sick cells or cells with specificsurface receptors, for example activated phagocyting cells.

The metal structure can for especial applications be magnetic. Amagnetic matrix can for example be obtained by coating sinteredmagnetite with a polymer, e.g. polyethylene. An efficient removal ofcells can then be performed allowing antibodies, having a magneticdextran iron label, to attach to specific cells in the blood.

The pore size should be within the range from 5 micron to 500 micron,preferably from 70 micron to 170 micron, most preferred from 80 micronto 100 micron, so that high flow rates can be maintained withoutcellular damage or cellular exclusion. Thus, the separation accomplishedwith the method according to the invention is not based on any sizedistribution of components. Virtually all components of whole blood or abody fluid might be eliminated by means of the inventive method.

After the removal of one or more primary toxic effectors, i.e. anendotoxin, further secondary toxic effectors can be removed. Thesecondary effectors can be cytokines (e.g. TNF-α), interleukines (e.g.Il-1), reactive oxygen and nitrogen radicals, etc.

When performing the method according to the invention, one or severalseparation matrixes are protected within a housing, which can havevarious shapes and varying and/or different in- and outlets depending onthe application. Such a device can then be used for endotoxin removaland/or cytokine removal and/or cytokine neutralization. This isaccomplished by passing blood or other body fluids through the device,applied intra, para, or extracorporally, without the liquid beingexcluded from the rigid integral separation matrix therein. The activesurface of the porous structure, the functional groups and/or specificligands thereon then selectively binds and separates at least onecomponent from the liquid. The device can advantageously also be usedfor removal of endotoxins from aqueous solutions.

An important feature of the inventive method is that all aspects ofseptic shock can be provided for, i.e. primary as well as secondarytoxic effectors can be removed by means of the inventive method.

Reference is made to FIG. 1 in connection with performing the methodaccording to the invention. A device 1 comprises a housing 2, thehousing (or cartridge) of the device being integrated into a closedcirculation, in which whole blood or body fluids is circulated by meansof a pump. In the housing 2 at least one separation matrix 5 a, 5 b, . .. is arranged, each intended to selectively remove one component fromwhole blood or body fluids. The housing 2 is provided with an inlet 3and an outlet 4, the sites of which are of no importance as long as anadequate flow is obtained within the separation matrix(es) and thehousing. Preferably, the pump is arranged upstream the inlet 3.

In this way a device is obtained which can maintain flow rates from 5ml/h to 6 000 ml/min without a significant pressure drop. When appliedextracorporeally, a line pressure of not more than 300 mm Hg from pumpto cannula is obtained even at very high flow rates.

The rigid integral separation matrix can be produced in different shapesto be used in the inventive method. It can for example be designed as adisk, a rod, a cylinder, a ring, a sphere, a tube, a hollow tube, a flatsheet, or other moulded shapes.

Since the flow within each separation matrix is dependent on itsporosity, the contact time of the components in blood or a body fluidwith the active surface can be controlled. Furthermore, a desired flowgradient can be created within a separation device by changing theporosity and configuration of the individual separation matrixestherein.

In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 different schematic embodiments of devices areshown, which can be used when performing the method according to theinvention. Arrows indicate the flow of blood or body fluid within theindividual separation matrixes and the housings therefor, large arrowsindicating a higher flow rate than small arrows. In these examples ofdifferent configurations the separation matrixes can have the same ordifferent porosities with or without the same or various types offunctional groups or ligands in order to remove one or severalcomponents from blood or a body fluid.

The separation matrixes are preferably integrated with the housings(each having an inlet 3 and an outlet 4) in order to ensure that noliquid or components therein are prevented from entering the matrix ormatrixes, i.e. being excluded therefrom. In FIGS. 2 (a) and (b) examplesof one separation matrix 5 within a housing 2 are given, the matrixbeing of different configurations. Examples of two separation matrixes 5a, 5 b within a housing 2 are shown in FIGS. 2 (c) and (d). In thedevice of FIG. 2 (c) an impermeable coating 6, such as an applied skin,on the outside periphery of the separation matrix 5 a ensures that allthe material supplied to the device will pass this entire matrix. In thedevice of FIG. 2 (d), on the other hand, some of the material suppliedwill have a shorter residence time in the separation matrix 5 a than inthe separation matrix 5 b, and vice versa.

In FIG. 3 each device comprises several separation matrixes 5 a-5 g. InFIG. 3 (a) a partition wall 7 ensures a flow through all matrixes. Theseparation matrixes can be positioned laterally or transversallyrelative to their longitudinal directions, as in FIGS. 3 (b) and (c),respectively. In FIG. 3 (d) the device comprises separation matrixes ofdifferent sizes.

In conclusion, the inventive method can be used with an intra, para, orextracorporeally applied or stand alone device, which is thereby capableof reducing circulating endotoxins and potential harmful proinflammatory mediators, especially TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-17, preferably inblood. It is also possible to selective remove endotoxins from otheraqueous solutions. The components are considered to bind to the activesurface of the rigid integral separation matrix by means of adhesion.

EXAMPLES

The invention will now be further described and illustrated by referenceto the following examples, which have been carefully selected in orderto encompass the invention. Accordingly, they should not be construed aslimiting the invention in any way.

Surface Modifications

Example 1

The surface of a matrix of porous polyethylene (Porex Technologies,Germany), having a porosity of 350 micron and an active surface of 10cm², was modified by means of plasma enhanced chemical vapour depositionby using O₂ (Plasma Science, USA, Type PS 0350 Plasma Surface TreatmentSystem).

The formation of hydroxyl groups on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was assayed with a Dye test, the hydrophilicity thereofbeing confirmed.

Example 2

The surface of a matrix of porous polyethylene (Porex Technologies,Germany), having a porosity of 100 micron and an active surface of 20cm², was modified by means of plasma enhanced chemical vapour depositionby using CO₂. (Plasma Science, USA, Type PS 0350 Plasma SurfaceTreatment System).

The formation of carboxyl groups and the amount on the porous structuresurface of the obtained matrix was determined by conversion intohydroxamic acids. In this connection all hydroxamic acids give a red orviolet color with ferric chloride in acid solution as described inFeigel et al.; Microchemie 15:18, 1934.

Example 3

The surface of a matrix of porous polyethylene (Porex Technologies,Germany), having a porosity of 170 micron and an active surface of 0.04m², was modified by means of plasma polymerization by using allylamine(Plasma Science, USA, Type PS 0350 Plasma Surface Treatment System).

The amount of primary amines on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was determined by means of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS) assay.

Example 4

The surface of a matrix of porous polyethylene (Porex Technologies,Germany), having a porosity of 70 micron and an active surface of 0.26m², was modified by means of plasma polymerization by using acrylic acid(Plasma Science, USA, Type PS 0350 Plasma Surface Treatment System).

The amount of carboxyl groups on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was assayed as described in Example 2.

Example 5

The surface of a matrix of porous polyethylene (Porex Technologies,Germany), having a porosity of 5 micron and an active surface of 0.9 m²,was modified by means of plasma polymerization by using NH₃ (PlasmaScience, USA, Type PS 0350 Plasma Surface Treatment System).

The amount of primary amines on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was assayed as described in Example 3.

Example 6

The surface of a matrix of porous polytetrafluorethylene, PTFE (W.L.Gore & Associates Inc., USA), having a porosity of 10 micron and anactive surface of 100 cm², was modified by means of plasma enhancedchemical vapour deposition by using NH₃ (Plasma Science, USA, Type PS0350 Plasma Surface Treatment System).

The amount of primary amines on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was assayed as described in Example 3.

Example 7

The surface of a matrix of porous, Polystyrene (Dow Chemical, USA),having a porosity of 10 micron and an active surface of 300 cm², wasmodified by means of plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition by usingCO₂ (Plasma Science, USA, Type PS 0350 Plasma Surface Treatment System).

The amount of carboxyl groups on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was assayed as described in Example 2.

Example 8

The surface of a matrix of porous polyurethane (Polymers Unlimited,Sweden), having a porosity of 80 micron and an active surface of 100cm², was modified by means of a 2% solution of an Aldehydic AlkoxySilane, Art No. (PSX 1050, United Chemical Technologies Inc., USA) in95% ethanol. The pH of the solution was adjusted to pH 5.5 with aceticacid and the solution was perfused through the matrix, which wasincubated over night at room temperature and then washed with 0.9%physiological saline.

The aldehyde functionality of the obtained matrix was evaluated by usinga catalytic acceleration of the oxidation of p-phenylenediamine byhydrogen peroxide, p-phenylenediamine being oxidized by hydrogenperoxide in an acid solution, which is known as Bandrowski's base.

Example 9

The surface of a matrix of porous silicone (Nusil, France), having aporosity of 200 micron and an active surface of 0.5 m², was modified bymeans of a 2% solution of a Amine-Silane (Art No. 0750, United ChemicalTechnologies Inc., USA) in 95% ethanol. The solution was perfusedthrough the matrix, which was incubated over night at room temperatureand finally washed with 0.9% physiological saline.

The amount of primary amines on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was assayed as described in Example 3.

Coating by Means of Covalent Bonding

Example 10

Poly-Lysine (200 mg) was dissolved in 10 ml of 50 mM sodium carbonatesolution and a matrix of porous polycarbonate with a porosity of 100micron (MicroPore Plastics, USA) was then immersed into the solution andkept at 4° C. for 24 h in order to obtain a covalent bonding between thepoly-lysine and the polycarbonate matrix. The porous matrix was finallywashed with excess distilled water.

The amount of primary amines on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was assayed as described in Example 3.

Example 11

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 4 wasperfused with an aqueous solution of1-cyclohexyl-3-(2-morpholinoethyl)carbodiimide metho-p-toluenesulfonate(WCCM) (Aldrich) at a flow rate of 5 ml/min in a closed circuit at roomtemperature for 6 h. Then it was rinsed with water and a solution ofpolyethyleneimine (Sigma) (10 mg/ml, pH 7.0) was finally added and thematrix was incubated over night.

The amount of primary amines on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was assayed as described in Example 3.

Example 12

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 3 wasconjugated by using 1.0% glutardialdehyde in 0.2 M phosphate buffer, pH7.5, and perfused at a flow rate of 1 ml/min for 6 h at roomtemperature. The matrix was then washed with buffer before incubationwith a hyaluronic acid solution (2 mg/ml) for 16 h at room temperature.Excess hyaluronic acid was finally rinsed off.

The hyaluronic acid content on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was verified and determined with Alcian Blue (Sigma).

Coating by Means of Adhesion

Example 13

A matrix of porous polyethylene (Porex Technologies, Germany), having aporosity of 70 micron and an active surface of 0.18 m², was perfused ata flow rate of 1 ml/min in a closed circuit for 16 h at room temperaturewith 2 mg/ml hyaluronic acid solution (BioHyos, Sweden, 12·10⁶ Da) at apH of 3.3, which was adjusted with 0.1 M HCl.

The hyaluronic acid content on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was verified as in Example 12.

Example 14

A matrix of porous polyethylene (Porex Technologies, Germany), having aporosity of 70 micron and an active surface of 7.0 m², was placed in aglass tube. The tube, with the porous matrix therein, was filled with asolution of 0.13% poly-Lysine (Sigma) in 350 ml water, and the pH wasadjusted to pH 3.3 with 0.1 M HCl. Then the solution of poly-lysine wasrecirculated through the tube with its filter matrix for 16 h at roomtemperature at a flow rate of <5 ml/min. The porous matrix was finallyrinsed with reverse osmosis water.

The amount of primary amines on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was assayed as described in Example 3.

Example 15

A matrix of porous polyethylene (Porex Technologies, Germany), having aporosity of 70 micron and an active surface of 3.4 m², was placed in aglass tube. The tube with the porous matrix therein was filled with a0.2% Recombumin™ (recombinant Human Serum Albumin, HoechstPharma, USA)solution in 350 ml of reverse osmosis water and then adjusted to pH 3.3with 0.1 M HCl.

Then the Recombumin™ solution was recirculated through the tube with itsfilter matrix for 16 h at room temperature by using a pump at a flowrate of <5 ml/min. The porous matrix was finally rinsed with reverseosmosis water.

The surface protein content on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was determined by using Coomassie Brilliant Blue(BioRad, USA).

Example 16

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 4 wasperfused with a polyethyleneimine (Sigma) solution, 10 mg/ml, over nightat a flow rate of 5 ml/min in a closed circuit. Then, the porous matrixwas rinsed with water.

The amount of primary amines on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was assayed as described in Example 3.

Direct Conjugation of Ligands

Example 17

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 5 wasconjugated with deoxycholate (DOC) by using an aqueous solution of WCCM.A solution of 300 ml 40% dimethylformamide (DMF) (Sigma) in water, whichcontained 1 mmol of sodium deoxycholate, was added to the porouspolycarbonate with stirring while adjusting the pH with 0.3 M HCl to pH4.8. A solution of 6 mM WCCM in DMF:water (1:1.8) was then added over aperiod of 10 min. The suspension was maintained at pH 4.8 for 3 h by theaddition of 0.3 M HCl.

The DOC content on the porous structure surface of the obtained matrixwas determined by using a Bile Acid Kit (Sigma).

Example 18

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 3 wasconjugated by using 12% glutardialdehyde in 0.15 M phosphate buffer, pH7.0 for 24 h at room temperature. The matrix was washed with 0.15 Mphosphate buffer and then anti CD14 antibodies (DAKO, Denmark) was addedat a concentration of 1 mg/ml and incubated at 8° C. for 24 h.Subsequent reduction with sodium cyanoborohydride was performed in orderto produce stable secondary amine linkages.

The antibody content on the porous structure surface of the obtainedmatrix was indirectly determined by means of UV spectroscopy of theantibody buffer solution before and after incubation with the porousmatrix.

Example 19

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 8 waswashed with 0.15 M phosphate buffer and then a recombinant IL-1 receptor(Kineret, Amgen, USA) was added at a concentration of 1 mg/ml andincubated at 8° C. for 24 h. Subsequent reduction with sodiumcyanoborohydride was performed in order to produce stable secondaryamine linkages.

The IL-1 receptor content on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was indirectly determined by means of UV spectroscopy ofthe IL-1 receptor buffer solution before and after incubation with theporous matrix.

Example 20

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 5 wasconjugated by using 1.0% glutardialdehyde and 0.2 M phosphate buffer, pH7.5. The matrix was incubated with this solution for 3 h. After washingwith phosphate buffer the matrix was incubated in a solution ofPolymyxin B sulphate (Sigma), 1 mg/ml, over night under recirculation.The matrix was finally washed with 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4.

Example 21

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 2 wasconjugated with recombinant TNF-α receptor (Enbrel, Wyeth, UK) at aconcentration of 5 mg/ml in 0.1 M 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid(MES) buffer (Sigma), pH 4.8. Thirty mg/ml of an aqueous solution ofWCCM was added and the matrix was incubated over night at 8° C. Thematrix was finally washed with 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4.

The TNF-α receptor content on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was indirectly determined by means of UV spectroscopy ofthe TNF-α receptor buffer solution before and after incubation with theporous matrix.

Example 22

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 3 wasconjugated with an anti-human TNF-α antibody (Sigma) by using a 1.0%glutardialdehyde in 0.2 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.5. The matrix wasincubated with the TNF-α antibody buffer solution for 3 h. After washingof the porous matrix with phosphate buffer, the anti-human TNF-αantibody (1 mg/ml) in phosphate buffer was added and incubated at roomtemperature for 6 h under recirculation at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. Thematrix was finally washed with 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4.

The TNF-α antibody content on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was indirectly determined by means of UV spectroscopy ofthe TNF-α antibody buffer solution before and after incubation with theporous matrix.

Example 23

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 5 wasconjugated with human bactericidal permeability increasing protein (BPI)(Wieslab, Sweden) at a concentration of 2 mg/ml in 0.1 M MES buffer, pH4.8. An aqueous solution of WCCM was added to this matrix at aconcentration of 15 mg/ml, and the matrix was incubated over night at 8°C. The matrix was finally washed with 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4.

The BPI content on the porous structure surface of the obtained matrixwas indirectly determined by means of UV spectroscopy of the BPI buffersolution before and after incubation with the porous matrix.

Example 24

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 15 wasincubated in a solution of DOC in 0.1 M MES buffer, pH 4.8, at aconcentration of 1 mg/ml. Then an aqueous solution of WCCM was added,and the matrix was incubated over night at 8° C. The matrix was finallywashed with 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4.

The DOC content on the porous structure surface of the obtained matrixwas determined as in Example 17.

Conjugation of Ligands with Spacer

Example 25

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 3 and wasactivated with 1.2% glutardialdehyde in 0.2 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.0for 24 h at room temperature. The matrix was washed with buffer andsubsequently incubated for 24 h in 1,6-diaminohexane (DAH) (Sigma), 50mg/ml, in 0.2 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.0. Thereafter, 10 mg/ml sodiumcyanoborohydrid (Sigma) was added to the solution. The porous matrix waswashed with 0.1 M phosphate buffer and then incubated in a solution ofDOC (1 mg/ml) in 0.1 M MES buffer, pH 4.8. Then an aqueous solution ofWCCM was added and the matrix was incubated over night at 8° C. Thematrix was finally washed with 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4.

The DOC content on the porous structure surface of the obtained matrixwas determined as in Example 17.

Example 26

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 5 wasactivated for 24 h at room temperature with 1.2% glutardialdehyde in 0.2M phosphate buffer, pH 7.0. The matrix was washed with buffer and thenincubated for 24 h with adipic dihydrazide (Aldrich) at a concentrationof 10 mg/ml in 0.2 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. Then 10 mg/ml of sodiumcyanoborohydrid (Sigma) was added to the solution.

The porous matrix was washed with 0.1 M phosphate buffer and thenincubated with a solution of DOC at a concentration of 1 mg/ml in 0.1 MMES buffer, pH 4.8. Then an aqueous solution of WCCM was added, and thematrix was incubated over night at 8° C. The matrix was finally washedwith 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4.

The DOC content on the porous structure surface of the obtained matrixwas determined as in Example 17.

Example 27

The matrix obtained according to Example 10 was conjugated with DOC byusing an aqueous solution of WCCM. A water solution of 300 ml 40% DMF(Sigma), containing 1 mmol sodium deoxycholate, was added to the porouspolycarbonate matrix while stirring. The pH of the suspension wasadjusted to 4.8 with 0.3 M HCl. A 6 mM solution of WCCM in DMF:water(1:1.8) was added over a period of 10 min and the suspension wasmaintained at pH 4.8 for 3 h by the periodic addition of 0.3 M HCl. Thenit was kept at room temperature for 24 h.

The DOC content on the porous structure surface of the obtained matrixwas determined as in Example 17.

Example 28

The matrix obtained according to Example 14 was activated for 10 h atroom temperature with 1.2% glutardialdehyde in 0.2 M phosphate buffer,pH 7.0, and then rinsed with excessive amounts of buffer.Polyethyleneimine (Sigma) at a concentration of 10 mg/ml in 0.1 Mbicarbonate buffert, pH 8.0, was introduced into the porous matrix, andthe matrix was incubated with the solution for 16 h.

The matrix was then washed with buffer and conjugated with DOC by usingan aqueous solution of WCCM. A solution of 300 ml 40% DMF in water,containing 1 mmol of sodium deoxycholate, was added to the porous matrixwhile stirring. The pH was adjusted to 4.8 with 0.3 M HCl. A 6 mMsolution of WCCM in DMF:water (1:1.8) was then added over a period of 10min. The suspension was maintained at pH 4.8 for 3 h by the periodicaddition of 0.3 M HCl. Then it was kept at room temperature for 24 h.

The DOC content on the porous structure surface of the obtained matrixwas determined as in Example 17.

Example 29

The porous polyethylene matrix obtained according to Example 3 wasactivated for 24 h at room temperature with 1.2% glutardialdehyde in 0.2M phosphate buffer, pH 7.0. The matrix was then washed with the bufferand incubated for 24 h with 1,6-diaminohexane (DAH) (Sigma) at aconcentration of 50 mg/ml in 0.2 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.0. The porousmatrix was then washed with 0.1 M phosphate buffer and incubated for 12h at 8° C. as a suspension in a solution of TNF-α receptor (Enbrel,Wyeth, UK) at a concentration of 10 mg/ml in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH7.4. Then a solution of sodium cyanoborohydrid (Sigma) at aconcentration of 10 mg/ml was added to the suspension. The matrix wasfinally washed with 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4.

The TNF-α receptor content on the porous structure surface of theobtained matrix was indirectly determined by means of UV spectroscopy ofthe TNF-α receptor buffer solution before and after incubation with theporous matrix.

Selective Binding and Separation of Blood Components

Cell separations were performed by allowing whole blood to pass througha filter of a matrix shaped as a disk and having an active surface of0.02 m².

The removal of endotoxins and cytokins was performed with the testsystem shown in FIG. 4. A container 8, filled with up to 2 l of wholeblood or plasma, was connected to a pump 9, a pressure monitor 10 and afilter device 1 with up to 40 matrix plates, i.e. an active surface ofup to 7 m² being provided, which has a porosity between 70 and 130micron.

Cell Separation

Example 30

A magnetic porous matrix comprising a mixture of polyethylene andmagnetic ferrite (80% FeO, 20% BaO₂, Porex Technologies, Germany), whichhad a porosity of 100 micron, was used to separate leukocytes from wholeblood by using specifically labeled anti CD45+ antibodies (MACS AntibodyMicrobeads; Miltenyi Biotec, Germany). After a magnetic labeling of theleukocytes with such antibodies, the blood was allowed to pass throughthe porous matrix.

Cell counting of leukocytes was performed by using an automatic CellCounter, which after the separation showed a reduction of the leukocytecontent in the blood of 90%.

Example 31

The surface of a matrix of porous cellulose diacetate (Tenite, EastmanChemicals, USA), having a porosity of 200 micron and an active surfaceof 0.2 m², was used for separation of human fagocytating blood cells asneutrophils and monocytes. Human whole blood was collected in EDTAvacutainer tubes (B&D, UK) and the blood was allowed to pass through theporous matrix.

The reduction in the number of neutrophils and monocytes in thecollected blood was 50% and 35%, respectively, as determinedmicroscopically by differential cell counts in a Bürkner chamber byusing Turks Reagent.

Cytokine Removal

Example 32

The matrix obtained according to Example 22, which had been coated withendotoxin removal groups, was used as porous disks in the test systemshown in FIG. 4.

The elimination of TNF-α from whole blood was investigated afterimmobilizing polyclonal antibodies against TNF-α with glutardialdehydeonto the amino groups on the porous polymer structure. Production ofTNF-α was induced by the addition of LPS to the blood and the activatedwhole blood was perfused over the immobilized filter in the device.

The amounts of TNF-α in whole blood (FIG. 5) was determined pre (▴) andpost (ν) the device by an enzyme immunoassay (Enzymimmuno-assay, MileniaBiotec GmbH, Germany) in order to study the uptake of TNF-α by thefilter disks. As seen, a considerable reduction of pathologicalconcentrations of TNF-α in whole blood could be obtained.

Endotoxin Removal

Example 33

The matrix obtained according to Example 25, i.e. a plasma modifiedpolyethylene matrix having DOC thereon, was immobilized thereon via aspacer of diaminohexane, which first had been coupled to the matrix byglutardialdhyde and then to the deoxycholate by using carbodiimide. Theobtained matrix was used as porous disks in the filter device of thesystem shown in FIG. 4.

The elimination of LPS from plasma was performed in a similar way as inExample 32.

The amount of LPS in plasma was determined by means of means of aLimulus Amebocyte Lysate assay (Endochrome-K, Charles River LaboratoriesInc. USA) in the bulk at different time intervals during recirculationthrough the filter device.

In FIG. 6 the reduction of the amount of endotoxin (pg/ml) with time isshown. After a recirculation of 2 h the endotoxin load was reduced from75 pg/ml at start to 15 pg/ml, which is the detection limit.

Example 34

The matrixes obtained according to Example 3 (non-immobilized aminogroups) and Example 17 (immobilized DOC), respectively, were used asporous disks and compared with reference to their ability to eliminateLPS. A similar recirculation study as in Example 33 was performed withthe difference that the LPS was dissolved in distilled water.

The elimination of LPS from the water solution was determined as shownin FIG. 4 while recirculating at a flow rate of 0.22 ml/min through eachfilter in a device of 10 ml.

In Table 1 below the values for elimination of LPS by the two matrixesfrom Example 3 and Example 17, respectively, are given as percentage ofthe initial LPS concentration after a recirculation of 120 min.

TABLE 1 Example 3 Example 17 LPS elimination 81 96 (%)

The difference in degree of elimination between plasma (Example 34) andwater (Example 35) can be explained by competitive interactions ofproteins, LPS and ligand.

Combined Removal

Example 35

The matrixes obtained according to Example 19 and Example 29 were usedfor the combined removal of TNF-α and IL-1, respectively.

The two matrixes of different specificity were connected in serial in aclosed loop test system of two filter devices as shown in FIG. 4. Wholeblood in a container was kept at 37° C., activated by the addition ofLPS, and introduced into the system. Sampling was performed at differenttime intervals simultaneous from the container and filter outlets foranalysis of the cytokines.

The results showed for both matrixes a decrease in cytokineconcentrations of 70% and 55% for TNF-α and IL-1β, respectively.

Table 2 below shows a summary of the versatile applicability and theconsiderable efficacy of the inventive method for selective binding andseparation of different components from whole blood or a body fluid. Forthis purpose, different porous matrixes have been used as supports forthe attachment of ligands, with or without a spacer. Thus, methods ofimmobilization have been performed with glutardialdehyd by using twoterminal —NH₂ and with 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide withone terminal —NH₂ and one terminal —OH or —COOH, respectively.Silanization through aldehyde or amino functional silane couplingreagents for specific binding of amino groups, antibodies, enzymes,peptides, proteins have also been used, aldehyde groups reactingspontaneously with amines, peptides and proteins.

TABLE 2 Porous matrix Method Spacer Ligand Component Efficacy %Polyethylene — HA DOC LPS 80.1 Polyethylene — Poly-Lys DOC LPS 12.8Polyethylene —NH₂ DAH DOC LPS 29.6 Polyethylene —NH₂ — DOC LPS 12.5Polyethylene —NH₂ DAH Polymyxin B LPS 16.3 Polyethylene —NH₂ DAHArginine LPS 14.3 Polyethylene —NH₂ DAH Recombumin LPS 18.3 Polyethylene—NH₂ — Anti-TNFα Ab TNF-α 63.2 Polyethylene Allyl- PEI DOC LPS 33.4amine Polyethylene Allyl- Poly-Lys DOC LPS 85.5 amine Polyethylene —COOH— TNF-α Receptor TNF-α 59.2 Polyethylene —COOH — Interleukine-1 IL-164.0 Receptor Polyethylene —COOH — Thrombomodulin Thrombin 70.8Polyethylene —COOH — BPI LPS 91.2 Polyethylene —OH Sil.ald. TNF-αReceptor TNF-α 61.8 Polyethylene —OH Sil.ald. Interleukine-1 IL-1 62.0Receptor Polyethylene —OH Sil.ald. Thrombomodulin Thrombin 73.7Polyethylene —OH Sil.ald. BPI LPS 89.3 Polyethylene HA DAH DOC LPS 29.6Polyethylene Poly- DAH DOC LPS 73.3 Lys Polyethylene Recombumin — DOCLPS 20.8 Polyethylene —NH₂ GDA Anti CD 11b Ab Granulocytes 50.2 andmonocytes Polyethylene —OH Sil. ald. Anti CD 11b Ab Granulocytes 56.1and monocytes Polycarbonate — Poly-Lys DOC LPS 44.4 Polycarbonate —OHSil. Ald TNF-α Receptor TNF-α 75.9 Polycarbonate —COOH — ThrombomodulinThrombin 72.0 Polyurethane — DAH DOC LPS 30.2 Polyurethane — DAHRecombumin LPS 18.5 Polyurethane — Poly-Lys DOC LPS 14.8 Polyurethane —Sil. Ald TNF-α Receptor TNF-α 56.7 Polyurethane — Sil. Ald BPI LPS 88.0Silicone — Sil. Ald TNF-α Receptor TNF-α 55.3 Silicone — Sil. AldThrombomodulin Thrombin 68.2 Zeolite — Sil. Ald TNF-α Receptor TNF-α63.9 Zeolite — Sil. —NH₂ DOC LPS 48.3 Zeolite Sil. Ald Interleukine-1IL-1 60.1 Receptor Cellulose CNBr DAH DOC LPS 28.5 Cellulose CNBrPoly-Lys DOC LPS 39.2 PTFE Allyl- DAH TNF-α Receptor TNF-α 73.0 aminePTFE —COOH — Interleukine-1 IL-1 77.7 Receptor Abbreviations: BPI =bactericidal permeability increasing protein; DAH = 1,6-diamino-hexane;DOC = deoxycholate; EDC = 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide;GDA = glutardialdehyde; HA = hyaluronic acid; IL-1 = Interleukin-1; PEI= polyethyleneimine; Recombumin = recombinant human albumin; Sil. ald. =aldehyde functional silane coupling reagent; Sil. —NH₂ = aminofunctional silane coupling reagent; TNF-α = tumour necrose factor-α.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A method for selectively eliminating at least onecomponent from an aqueous solution, comprising: passing said aqueoussolution through a rigid integral separation matrix without beingexcluded by said matrix, said matrix having a porous structure; bindingat least one aqueous solution component by a bile acid moietyimmobilized on said matrix; whereby said matrix is obtained by a processselected from the group comprising: sintering, moulding and foamingprocess.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said bile acid moiety is adeoxycholic acid moiety.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:coating or surface modifying said porous structure of said matrix inorder to arrange said bile acid moiety at said porous structure.
 19. Themethod of claim 16, wherein said matrix is made of a material selectedfrom the group comprising: metal, inorganic oxide, carbon, glass,ceramic, synthetic polymer, and a natural polymer, and combinationsthereof.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein said matrix is made of amagnetic metal.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein a synthetic ornatural polymer is coated onto said material.
 22. The method of claim21, wherein said synthetic polymer is selected from the groupcomprising: a polyolefine, a vinylic polymer, a fluorine containingpolymer, a polyacrylate, a polyamide, a polyimine, a polyethylenimine, apolystyrene and its copolymers, a silicone rubber, a polyester, apolycarbonate, a polyurethane, a poly sulfonate, a polyglycol, apolyether, and a polyalkyloxide, and a copolymer and a hybrid thereof.23. The method of claim 21, wherein said natural polymer is selectedfrom the group comprising: a polysaccharide, a polycarbohydrate, apolyamino acid, a polylactic acid, or a polyglycolic acid, and acopolymer and a hybrid thereof.
 24. The method of claim 18, wherein saidsurface modification is selected from the group comprising:electrodeposition, electroevaporation, plasma chemical deposition,deposition from an ion plasma flow, plasma polymerization, plasmaenhanced surface polymer deposition, and chemical vapor deposition. 25.The method of claim 16, wherein a further ligand is immobilized on saidmatrix, and said ligand is selected from the group comprising: arecombinant protein, a peptide, an antibody or a fragment thereof, acarbohydrate, a polysaccharide, a hormone, an antioxidant, aglycoprotein, a lipoprotein, a lipid, a fat soluble vitamin, a reactivedye, allantoin, uric acid, or polymyxin, and combinations thereof. 26.The method of claim 25, wherein at least one cross-linker is covalentlycoupled between said matrix and said ligand.
 27. The method of claim 26,wherein said cross-linker is selected from the group comprising: ahomobifunctional, a heterobifunctional, and a trifunctional crosslinker.28. The method of claim 26, wherein said cross-linker is covalentlycoupled as a spacer between said matrix and said ligand.
 29. The methodof claim 28, wherein said spacer is selected from the group comprising:a silane, a diisocyanate, a glycolate, a polyethyleneglycol, asuccinimidyl reagent, a dihydrazine, adipidic acid, a diamine, an aminoacid, an oligoamino acid, a polyamino acid, a peptide, and a protein.30. A device for selective binding and separation of at least onecomponent from an aqueous solution according to the method of claim 16,comprising: a housing; an inlet; an outlet; and at least one separationmatrix, said matrix being rigid and integral for passing said aqueoussolution there through, said matrix having a porous structure, and abile acid moiety being immobilized on said matrix and being able to bindsaid at least one component, wherein said separation matrix has a porousstructure obtained by a process selected from the group: sintering,molding and a foaming process.
 31. The device of claim 30, wherein saidbile acid moiety is a deoxycholic acid moiety.
 32. The device of claim30, wherein said separation matrix comprises several disks arranged oneafter the other in the flow direction so that the aqueous solution isarranged to pass one disk and then flow out over the entire surface ofthe next disk.